Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

ISAIAH 26:10KJV
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Isaiah 26:10 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 26:10 mean?

Isaiah 26:10 says that even if kindness or favor is shown to wicked people, they still refuse to learn what is right; even when they live in a good and just land, they continue to act unjustly and do not recognize the greatness of the LORD. The verse highlights the stubbornness of those who reject what is right, no matter how much good is offered to them.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking about people who persist in wrongdoing despite being given opportunities to change. The setting is a vision of God’s people experiencing God’s protection and justice, but Isaiah points out that some will not respond to God’s goodness. The verse emphasizes that external blessings or a good environment do not guarantee a change of heart in those determined to do wrong.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 26:10

  • "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rāshā‘): This word refers to people who are morally wrong or guilty. Isaiah uses it to describe those who are set against God’s ways, not just people who make mistakes.
  • "learn" (לָמַד, lāmad): This word means to be taught or to gain understanding. The verse stresses that the wicked refuse to be taught righteousness, showing a willful resistance rather than ignorance.
  • "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq): This word means what is just, right, or fair. The verse contrasts the wicked’s refusal to learn righteousness with the uprightness expected in God’s land.
  • "majesty" (גָּאוֹן, ga’ōn): This word points to God’s greatness or glory. The verse says the wicked do not “behold” or recognize God’s majesty, emphasizing spiritual blindness as well as moral stubbornness.

Why Isaiah 26:10 matters

  • Isaiah 26:10 clarifies that simply giving people good circumstances or showing them kindness does not always lead to repentance or moral change; some hearts remain hard.
  • The verse highlights a theme found throughout the Bible: true righteousness is not just about environment or opportunity, but about the willingness of the heart to respond to God.
  • In the context of Isaiah 26, this verse explains why judgment is sometimes necessary—because some persistently reject God’s ways, even when surrounded by His goodness.

Where else these words appear

“unjustly” Hebrew H5765 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 71:4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

“uprightness” Hebrew H5229 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
  • Isaiah 59:14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.
  • Amos 3:10 For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.

“not” Hebrew H1077 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 10:15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.
  • Psalms 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
  • Isaiah 14:21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.

“majesty” Hebrew H1348 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 17:10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
  • Psalms 93:1 The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
  • Isaiah 12:5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.